NILES — Niles Police Chief Jim Millin has been a fan of online markets for the past few years. He uses all the popular apps and sites to sell his items and, occasionally, make a purchase.

Niles District Library employee Ann McOmber is a fan, too. She has sold and bought items on Facebook Marketplace for about two years from other area residents.

Yet, both are sure to never let their guard down when shopping or selling. Both shared stories of people they knew being swindled or creeped out by fellow users.

Fortunately, Millin and McOmber said a few simple precautions can maximize the joy of online markets as the final days before Christmas gifting conclude.

McOmber called sites where local residents trade items, such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, “the new garage sale.” While garage sale sprees offer up a sometimes-overwhelming number of items, online markets allow her to see a wide variety of goods without the travel hassle. She can also look for specific items through search engines.

Unlike a garage sale, however, McOmber cannot see in person the item she is interested in. This leads to her big tip when shopping and selling: have good communication.

That often comes down to the pictures of the item, McOmber said.

When selling, she often takes pictures of her items from multiple angles and zoom, even parts that are frayed, discolored or broken. When shopping, she looks for an item with multiple photos.

If McOmber finds an item that interests her, or someone takes interest in an item she sells, a messaging conversation commences.

“If both of you don’t communicate really well, it will be a horrible transaction,” she said.

Being transparent, informative and courteous can go a long way in a successful transaction, but it can also ensure some safety, too.

“You really have to be aware of your surroundings,” Millin said. “Use that gut feeling if it’s right or not.”

If someone’s messaging lingo appears off, it may be better to stop the conversation, Millin said. So, too, if someone has received bad reviews or has failed to sell an item.

Choosing to meet at the right place is important, too, Millin said. Meeting at public places at times where foot and vehicle traffic are high, or where security cameras are in place is helpful.

Millin recalled instances where alleged buyers “beat feet” and left without paying, but being in a public space can make the thief easier to catch thanks to surveillance or witnesses.

McOmber said she often makes transactions at the Niles police station, which Millin encouraged, or when she is on break at the Niles District Library. South Bend’s police station has dedicated space for online market transactions.

When she can, McOmber will bring her husband with her in case things go awry.

While not a safety tip, given this holiday season of kindness, being compassionate online can make for a better experience both on and off the screen, too.

A customer recently reached out to McOmber stating that a headband she had bought from her recently broke. McOmber said the woman was not upset, even buying another item of hers, but she still felt terrible.

So, she snuck headbands in the woman’s next purchase for her.

“She was really excited,” McOmber said.